Part 6/14:
Epigenetics involves chemical modifications to DNA that influence gene expression without altering the genetic code itself. Changes in the epigenome correlate strongly with aging, providing a biological clock that can be measured. Resetting or adjusting this epigenetic clock could be a promising pathway to delay aging.
However, Steele notes that current epigenetic tests are imperfect. We still lack comprehensive understanding about what specific epigenetic changes mean causally, making it crucial to keep refining these measures and exploring how they can be manipulated.